Samsung to appeal against $1bn Apple award

Samsung has confirmed that it will be appealing against the US ruling that the South Korean firm stole designs and ideas from Apple in order to make its smartphones.

The jury in California found Samsung guilty and ordered the firm to pay Apple $1.05 billion (£665 million) in damages.

Samsung then accused Apple of using US patent laws to try and dominate the smartphone market, thus giving less choice for consumers.

Analysts claim this is one of the most significant rulings in the growing global battle between the two companies.

Indeed, last week both firms had their mobile phones and tablets banned in South Korea after they were found guilty of infringing patents.

In a statement after the ruling, Samsung described the decision as “a loss for the American consumer”.

“It will lead to fewer choices, less innovation, and potentially higher prices. [It is] unfortunate that patent law can be manipulated to give one company a monopoly over rectangles with rounded corners,” it continued.